These biological tissues, though no longer wrapped in skin, continued to operate in an orderly fashion. Healthy, vibrant, carrying an indescribable, eerie beauty.
Seeing this scene, even though Sigrid was mentally prepared, she couldn't help but swallow hard.
But she didn't say anything. Instead, she picked up the Wraithbone Lancet and, with intense concentration, began inscribing the alchemical program array beneath Fran's skin. The sharp tip of the blade flowed smoothly over flesh and bone, leaving behind a series of dense, cryptic character imprints.
Whether it's a ritual array or an alchemical array, stability during its construction is paramount.
Bloodstains, dust, conflicting spirits—any external factor could lead to array disorder, triggering disintegration or backlash.
Therefore, the act of inscribing an array directly within the body carries far greater danger than conventional methods, rightfully earning the title of "taboo." Unless... the flesh and blood themselves are also part of the array's composition.
This is also why, apart from sects venerating the "Cup," few other secret cult disciples can inscribe prayers within their own bodies. Even the Secrets-Hunter Zoparos mostly just spends extra effort on corpses.
As the slender lancet in Sigrid's hand continuously descended, her movements became faster and more fluid.
So beautiful... In a daze, an inexplicable sigh arose from her heart.
She could feel that the intertwined bones and blood beneath the skin of Fran's arm were merging with the alchemical program in the most optimal form. It was like the seamless meshing of precision-engineered gears, a sensation that was intoxicating.
Several hours later, Sigrid finally completed the inscription of the alchemical program.
Carefully, she pinched the black suture thread on Fran's skin and closed the exposed gap.
"Phew... Dr. Fran, it's done."
Fran nodded, flexing her fingers a few times.
Sensitivity was unaffected. The flow of spirit was equally natural and harmonious, as if this transmutation circle had existed within her arm from the very beginning.
"Thank you for your hard work, Sigrid... it's drawn beautifully."
The alchemical program she asked Sigrid to inscribe was "Dissolve and Restructure Bone and Blood," which could be used to mold and modify flesh. This was also not the first time this doctor had left such alchemical programs within her own body.
The starry void-like space within Fran's abdomen earlier was the Forbidden Alchemy program "Gate of Void."
"Why did you want the 'Dissolve and Restructure Bone and Blood' program array inscribed inside your arm? Wouldn't that be very inconvenient?"
Sigrid asked with some curiosity.
Generally speaking, alchemical arrays like these are easier to control and adjust when externally placed.
Once implanted into the body, both maintenance and checking its operation become problematic, as not everyone can withstand repeatedly opening the skin and muscles.
Even if not life-threatening, the pain produced by such an act is unimaginable for ordinary people...
"It's related to a recent research project, so I thought of carrying a transmutation circle with me... But I haven't finalized the specific research plan yet."
Fran looked at her pale palm, guiding her spirit to slowly flow through each node of the alchemical program.
She wasn't yet fully familiar with "Dissolve and Restructure Bone and Blood," so the spellcasting effect would be relatively crude, making precision difficult to guarantee.
As the pinnacle of the alchemical discipline, the Sun-Forgers Cult, even if not specializing in this path, had deep involvement in the school of biological alchemy. Sigrid herself utilized many related technologies from the biological alchemy school; otherwise, she could never have manifested such a perfect human form.
Fran raised her hand, stretching her somewhat sore and stiff waist.
Although the mentally and physically taxing inscription work was fully entrusted to Sigrid, sitting motionless for nearly ten hours was quite draining. Moreover, Fran had to divert attention to coordinate with her inscription, preventing the maid from making mistakes.
She took out a brass pocket watch from her sleeve, confirming the time was exactly 22:00, late at night.
It was about time to head to the Royce Mansion.
Fran extended a hand toward Sigrid as if inviting her. Sigrid, in turn, obediently transformed into a sword form and was then enveloped beneath the grey dress robe, fastened at the waist.
"Need to do some disguise before setting off this time, just to be prepared in case of any unexpected situations."
With that thought, she took a strand of grey gauze and draped it over her face, concealing her features, leaving only those amber eyes visible.
Fran raised her hand and placed it on the wooden door of the clinic's operating room.
Pale, hazy, murky mist gradually diffused. She then stepped through the door, her figure disappearing within.
---
Royce Mansion. Elsa stared somewhat blankly at her own reflection in the full-length mirror before her.
A khaki denim jacket, a white shirt, and short boots suitable for movement... she looked nothing like someone convalescing at home from illness, but more like someone preparing for archaeology or ruin exploration.
She felt somewhat scared in her heart, yet also inexplicably expectant.
Seven hours ago, the White Cup's Error-Purgers came for a follow-up visit. After examination, their conclusion was that her psychological illness had begun to recover, but she still needed at least a quarter of quiet rest.
Thirty minutes ago, she was in her pajamas, and her father kissed her forehead goodnight.
Even Elsa herself didn't expect that now, as if guided by some ghost, she had changed into the clothes she wore during her natural history research trips and was fully packed and ready.
That mysterious Mirror-Wiper lady... would she really come today?
Just as Elsa was pondering this, a pale arm with suture lines suddenly extended from the full-length mirror, once again grabbing her wrist and pulling her into the mirror.
Elsa stumbled a few steps after entering the Mist Within the Door before barely steadying herself.
After catching her breath, she looked up at the Mirror-Wiper wrapped in a grey robe.
"Ms. Flamel."
"Glad you still remember me, Miss Elsa. How have you been these past few days? Any migraines, nightmares, or loss of appetite?"
Fran gave a slight nod, then habitually began inquiring about her condition during the follow-up.
Although she intended to disguise her identity, she sometimes couldn't help but inadvertently reveal some doctorly traits.
"Sometimes feel sudden palpitations, but not severe. Apart from not being able to leave the mansion, I feel almost fully recovered."
Saying this, Elsa slightly averted her gaze, looking rather guilty.
Fran raised an eyebrow slightly, catching her change in expression.
Hmm... It seems Miss Elsa hasn't strictly followed doctor's orders and has attempted to leave the mansion. Children taught by the White Cup Cult are all like this. They won't behave unless they learn a lesson.
The Cup Phase itself represents intense emotion. Embodied in the disciples of the Pure White Cup, this is "thirst for knowledge." Although she isn't a White Cup Error-Purger, as a student of Norlington Central Academy, she is more or less influenced by this trait.
"Your recovery is good. Even without my initial intervention, you would have gradually recovered within three years."
Fran maintained the pace of a casual chat, then led Elsa deeper into the pale grey mist curtain.
Judging by the etiology, Elsa's panphobia stemmed from a deeper influence, which is why the Secrets-Hunters couldn't directly resolve it through purification or medical means. The White Cup's thought-targeting secret arts also had only partial effects.
But Fran knew the nature of this influence... it was an instinctive yearning.
What newborn child doesn't yearn for the warm, safe embrace of its mother? Before the spark of thought ignites, the infant in swaddling clothes has no choice but to trust, yearn for, admire, and love her unconditionally.
Even at the cost of being devoured by her...
Elsa was somewhat worried about accidentally getting lost in this seemingly endless sea of mist, so she followed closely behind Fran the whole way.
"Ms. Flamel, are you really going to attend the Star Chart Research Society? Only members with sufficient qualifications can recruit newcomers, but I've only been there two or three times, far from enough..."
"No need to worry about that. Nikolas is a friend of mine, there won't be any issues with qualifications."
Fran explained with full confidence, not at all like someone who had heard the name Nikolas for the first time just a few days ago.
"You know Mr. Nikolas?"
Hearing her answer, Elsa immediately felt much more at ease. Since she knew the organizer, naturally she wouldn't be turned away.
But she vaguely felt something was strange, as if the logic was a bit off somewhere. If Ms. Flamel knew Mr. Nikolas, then there was no reason she wouldn't be familiar with the Star Chart Research Society. Why did she ask me those few questions earlier then?
Just as the question in her mind was about to become clear, Fran spoke.
"Since only qualified members can invite newcomers, who was your recommender?"
"It was Mr. Schmidt. He's a teaching assistant in the Natural History department, very good-natured, cheerful, and approachable."
Elsa didn't hide this.
After learning that Flamel was familiar with the Star Chart Research Society, she no longer kept silent about the gathering's details.
Fran didn't react much to this name. After indicating she knew of him, she moved on to the next question.
"And why did you join the Star Chart Research Society?"
Elsa hesitated for a moment before slowly beginning to talk about her ideals.
"...I want to understand this world more deeply."
"Before becoming an Error-Purger, the academy doesn't teach any esoteric knowledge. But I'm majoring in Natural History, and often I have to learn about the so-called 'extraordinary' in advance."
As if worried the person before her might misunderstand, she added,
"But I didn't do anything against the rules, nor did I join any other cults. The Royce family are all devout followers of the Great Pioneer!"
"Heh..."
An unwarranted smile rose within Fran. But hidden beneath the grey gauze on her face, it wasn't clearly visible.
The Royce family were indeed White Cup followers, but whether they were devout... that's another matter.
Solani who turned to the Red Cup, Conan who turned to the Withered Crown—their surname was Royce. It seems curiosity and apostasy might also be hereditary...
"Elsa, 'ignorance' itself is a form of protection. The truth of the world is far more brutal than you imagine. Just like this time, you were almost a sacrificial offering, placed upon a deity's dining table."
"Even so, do you still intend to continue?"
Fran patiently guided her, much like persuading a naive university student to turn back from a misguided path.
But on this point, the somewhat sickly girl displayed an almost stubborn insistence.
"Please don't try to persuade me, Ms. Flamel."
"Becoming a naturalist has been my wish since childhood, I won't give up. Moreover, the Great Pioneer venerates Enlightenment. Followers of the White Cup have never been sheltered by ignorance."
Not giving up on her ideals even after experiencing the fleshly cradle shows that Elsa indeed has some determination.
Fran never overestimates human nature; perhaps she'll regret it later.
But at least for now, she can receive a little help from Fran based on this persistence.
"Elsa, are you familiar with the 'Seventh Ladder' theory?"
"The Seventh Ladder?"
Elsa blinked in confusion, appearing to hear the term for the first time.
"Is that so... The people at the Star Chart Research Society didn't tell you?"
Fran glanced sideways slightly.
Elsa indicated she knew nothing about the "Seventh Ladder" theory, which meant the Star Chart Research Society didn't value her highly. While not necessarily indicative of malicious intent, it at least suggested significant withholding of information.
It's not strange for secret gatherings to be wary of new members, but not even telling her this seems a bit too harsh. Logically, with a recommender present, she shouldn't have faced such direct exclusion.
"No."
Elsa then recounted her experiences at the Star Chart Research Society and what she knew.
"Public exchanges among participants are usually about major events in Norlington City, like the recent Sun-Forgers' forge accident. They suspected it might be a secret coup by the 'Sun-Corona Rider' Solm, aiming to control the cult's forces in the Norlington branch."
Hearing this, the corner of Fran's mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.
However, she was wearing a veil, so Elsa couldn't see the nearly overflowing smile.
Although this speculation is quite far from the truth... the line of thinking isn't wrong. After a malicious incident, the biggest beneficiary naturally becomes the prime suspect.
It's just that no one would think someone of Solm's temperament could become part of the Sun-Forgers' decision-making layer... That guy is almost a pure altruist, radiating light and heat without seeking return, like the real sun.
"Since they're unwilling to tell you, then I'll have to guide you through the basics... Actually, this theory isn't that profound. If you one day become an Error-Purger, you'll be able to take more comprehensive courses in this area."
Fran intentionally slowed her pace. At her usual speed, she would have long crossed the Mist Within the Door and reached the destination.
The reason for this leisurely stroll was more for in-depth talk therapy with Elsa.
"Seven guidances, seven transformations, seven ascensions."
"To fade into radiance, or hide in deep darkness. To be a lamp's enduring light, or a moth's metamorphosis. Within dreams, beyond the void."
"Order-Keeping, Cup-Colored, Enlightenment. Sword-Bearers, Flesh-Eaters, Lamp-Holders..."
"Nothing more than this."
She recited the content of the literature calmly and clearly, as if reciting a poem.
+++
T/N: Hey readers~! New Translator here! Before I say anything, I'd first like to thank the original author for creating this wonderful story. Without them, I wouldn't have the chance to share this adventure with you. I hope my translation does justice to their work, and that together, we can enjoy this story.
With that said, I'm happy to let you know I'll be uploading daily chapters. And for those who wish to support my work and gain early access, I've set up a Patreon where advanced chapters will be available.
[email protected]/PeakTL